Food for Thought is a monthly, members-only e-newsletter from the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST).
PRESIDENTIAL FODDER
So long summer; autumn ahead!

It’s been another frenzied and full month here at the national offices of CIFST, continuing the work to point our organization in a new direction.

Recently, we have started pushing forward on three initiatives focused on building a stronger foundation and strengthening our membership numbers.

First, as a means of improving efficiencies, the Board of Directors has decided to re-structure our Scientific Expert Panels (SEPs) into one smaller and more streamlined Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) with enhanced roles and responsibilities. The new SAP is designed to be more responsive to emerging topics in Canada, such as food nanotechnology and nutrigenomics, and capable of addressing our sector's concerns and needs.

Next, in advance of CIFST's membership renewal season, we will be introducing a refreshed membership structure and fee schedule in an effort to better attract and retain members. This could mean potential cost savings for many of you so be sure to watch for details.

Finally, over the past weekend (September 16 and 17) we completed a highly successful strategic planning session in Toronto. The initiative brought together CIFST board members, Section chairs, and other invitees from across the country to help map out the next three years. A great deal of the discussion surrounded the valuable input we received as a result of our recent membership survey . If you are among those who took the time to complete that survey, I can assure you that your voice was heard. I encourage you to have a look at the brief summary linked in the Bits & Bites section below.

As we head into what will doubtless be a busy fall, I want you to know how much we appreciate your membership commitment to CIFST. And since the season for giving thanks is upon us, I want to offer you a hearty  thank you  for taking a few moments to read some  Food for Thought.

Regards,

Dr. Michael Nickerson
CIFST President
BITS & BITES
Strategic planning session a success!

On September 16 and 17, several dedicated CIFST volunteers gathered in Toronto for a long overdue strategic planning session. For a brief summary of the initiative and the results, as well as a list of participants, please see the Strategic Profile document.
CIFST/IFT joint membership available

It's never been easier to be a member of two great organizations. As a member of CIFST in good standing, you qualify for deeply discounted 'joint membership' with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) giving you access to a wide array of benefits, programs, and online resources. More information about CIFST/IFT joint membership is available on the IFT website .
2018 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
All roads lead to Niagara Region!

 Make sure you've marked May 28 and 29 in you calendars. Those are the dates for CIFST's 2018 National Conference which is taking place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario at the fabulous White Oaks Resort & Spa . Planning is underway and details will be coming soon. Stay tuned!